Executive Director – Astra Centre

Full-time, Permanent, Work
Gardens
Posted 3 months ago

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION AND THE ROLE

Astra is a Jewish community-based organisation dedicated to the empowerment and inclusion of individuals with disabilities through employment, skills development, and support services. With several successful social enterprises including CoffeeTime and Giftime, Astra creates meaningful work opportunities in a nurturing and inclusive environment. 

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, operational management, financial sustainability, governance, and stakeholder engagement of Astra Centre. The role ensures the delivery of high-quality services to adults living with intellectual disabilities and/or psychosocial challenges, while maintaining compliance with relevant legislation guiding the organization’s mission, ensuring service excellence, driving strategy, managing resources, and maintaining compliance within the care sector.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Leadership and Strategic Planning

  • Define and implement the organization’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives in collaboration with the Governing Board.
  • Develop and execute long-term strategic plans, ensuring alignment with community needs and organizational goals.
  • Act as the primary representative of the organization at community forums and public engagements, advocating for its mission.

2. Financial and Fundraising Management

  • Develop and manage annual budgets in conjunction with the accountant, ensuring financial sustainability.
  • Drive fundraising initiatives, cultivate donor relationships, and prepare detailed funding proposals.
  • Ensure accurate and timely financial reports are provided to the Board and other stakeholders

3. Program Development and Service Excellence

  • Oversee the development and continuous improvement of programs to meet client and community needs.
  • Ensure programs maintain a client-centred approach, respecting cultural, religious, and individual needs.
  • Stay informed on industry trends and implement innovative practices in care service delivery.

4. Governance and Compliance

  • Ensure the organization operates within all legal, regulatory, and ethical frameworks applicable to the care and welfare sector.
  • Tracking of operational metrics for bi-annual impact reports
  • Work closely with the Governing Board to communicate the organization’s progress, challenges, and strategic opportunities.
  • Oversee policy development to ensure alignment with organizational values and compliance requirements.

5. People Management

  • Recruit, develop, and manage a team of skilled professionals and volunteers.
  • Foster a positive, inclusive workplace culture and provide professional development opportunities.
  • Manage conflict sensitively and respectfully, maintaining high morale among staff and volunteers.

6. Community and Stakeholder Engagement

  • Advocate for the needs of clients and the care sector, raising awareness through public relations and networking efforts.
  • Build and maintain relationships with beneficiary families
  • Managing referrals and on-boarding of new beneficiaries
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, partner organizations, and government entities.

7. Operations, Administration and Marketing

  • Ensure smooth day-to-day operations, including effective administrative and organizational practices.
  • Oversee project execution, event coordination, and the development of training materials.
  • Provide regular updates on program outcomes and operational metrics to the Board.
  • Oversight of all marketing activities including social media, website and newsletters
  • Ensure efficient and effective management of e-commerce platforms
  • Drive product and programme innovation to elevate the organisation.

    REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

    The ideal applicant will have the following competencies: 

    1. Qualifications:

    • Certification in Business Administration, 
    • Relevant qualification in Business Administration, Social/ Healthcare services/management
    • Additional certifications in fundraising, governance, or care services management are beneficial.

    2. Work experience and industry exposure

    • Business Administration, Social Services experience, management and stakeholder engagement, NPO experience
    • Atleast 3-5 years of experience in a leadership role within the NPO, care, or social services sector.
    • Proven track record in strategic planning, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement.
    • Experience managing multidisciplinary teams, budgets, and complex projects.

    3. Strong Communication and Interpersonal skills

    • Strong verbal and written communication skills for engaging with stakeholders at all levels.
    • Ability to handle sensitive situations with dignity, confidentiality, and empathy.
    • Dynamic interpersonal skills to foster relationships with beneficiaries, families, staff, volunteers, and partners.

    4. Excellent Administration and Organisational Skills

    • Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
    • Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
    • Proficiency in administrative systems and financial management software.
    • Highly reliable, self-managed, and punctual

    5. Specific Requirements

    • Knowledge of legal and regulatory frameworks, including DSD reporting, labour laws and NPO legislation.
    • Understanding of cultural and religious sensitivities, particularly Jewish practices, is advantageous.
    • Work/ Volunteer experience within the Jewish community is desirable.
    • Ability to drive innovative practices and programs in the care sector.
    • From time to time, the Executive Director will be required to attend meetings, activities and events after hours. 

    Interested?

    Click on the APPLY NOW / DOWNLOAD APPLICATION button below

    Closing date for applications: 22 September 2026

    If you have not been contacted within 2 weeks of submitting your application, kindly consider your application to have been unsuccessful

    Job Features

    Job CategoryBusiness & Management, Community & Social Welfare, Social Enterprise
    Location:Gardens, Cape Town
    Reporting to:COO Care Services
    Nature of contract:Permanent, full-time
    Hours of work:8.30am - 5pm
    Salary range:To be discussed
    Closing date for applications:22 September 2026
    Interested?Click on the APPLY NOW / DOWNLOAD APPLICATION button above

    Apply Online

    A valid email address is required.
    A valid phone number is required.